Framework for Integrating Artificial Intelligence in Agricultural Science Teacher Education in Africa

The paper discussed framework for integrating artificial intelligence in agricultural science teacher education in Africa. Attempt was made to review: current state of AI integration in agricultural science teacher education programme; AI tools and components needed in agricultural science teacher education programme; challenges of integrating AI in agricultural science teacher education programme; benefits of integrating AI in agricultural science teacher education programme; and framework for AI integration in education. The authors presented the ‘PIECE’ framework for AI integration in agricultural science teacher education programme. PIECE encapsulates five key pillars: Professional training, Institutional readiness, Ethical considerations, Curriculum integration, and Evaluation of outcomes. The paper recommended starting with professional training, which will ensure the teachers and other stakeholders that will implement the blended curriculum are well trained and equipped to drive the AI revolution process. This training could be mounted by consultants contracted by the institutions. The end of such intensive training will culminate into identifying institutional gaps and needs for AI integration. These requirements should therefore be met, thereafter ethical issues would be considered prior to identifying and including the needed AI courses in the curriculum. When the blended curriculum is implemented, evaluation of impact is done after few years of implementation. Gaps identified from the evaluation will lead to modification at each stage for a continuous AI integration in agricultural science education curriculum.